From: Konstantin on 10/22/2003
I have replaced my PC's cpu fan with a Zalman cooler (model CNPS700-cU)(to reduce noise). Every time I start pc, it shuts down suddenly after several time and next time I restart it, a message appears saying "cpu was shutdown due to a thermal event - overheating. Press F4 to resume". I checked cpu fan and works ok. I disabled "CPU fan detection" in BIOS. Processor zone temperature is 45o C and fan speed 2370. Pc manufacturer has applied thermal compound to CPU before mounting heat sink. Inspite the above, the problem still persists. Help !Operation system : Windows XP professionalComputer type : Pentium 4 2.60c GHZ, 2 GB memory

From: tom on 07/03/2013
I went through all of the steps described here, and none of them worked. Since this problem started about six months after installing additional memory, I decided as a last resort to take out those cards. Bingo, problem solved. Either the memory I bought is some how bad, or the Precision 390 cannot handle 8GB of RAM.

From: Toni on 05/10/2012
I am having the same problem. I have done everything all the forums tell you to do. Opened and clean all vents, fans and boards.Checked and made sure all connections are secure.Cleared the bios event log file.Ran a complete diagnostic on the system and all is fine including BIOS.Ran a BIOS Recovery utility/update all went fine.Reran diagnostic on BIOS was fine.The Heat Sensor is burning up as soon as I boot it up. I took the fan off to get to it but I can't figure out how to get the sensor off without breaking the green clips. Any suggestions?? Am I on the right track, could it be the heat paste is no good??

From: Dylan on 01/30/2012
If your running a Dell Dimension 4700 or near that series with the original casing, there is what i call a design flaw. The rear mounted fan actually pulls air in, rather then out like most other brand desktops. This was a major problem for dust build up under the vent hood to the CPU/heatsinks. Had to clean out almost every month as computer slows and gets cranky when operating in higher temp. I resolved this problem by reversing the fan. (unmount and remount backwards. As a temp fix. Found cleaning out system every month a little risky. After getting annoyed with the case I upgraded to the Antec 900 case. (I know it's overkill with 2 intake fans on front, 1 exhaust fan on back and the huge exhaust fan on top. But my temps run perfect everytime. This motherboard/CPU lasted me 7 years. It's age is actually about 9 years. (bought it 2 years used from a friend who couldn't figure out why it was crashing all the time) Up till last week all capacitors where fine until the dreaded taiwan capacitors decided to bulge and leak creating capacitor plaque. Now it's motherboard/CPU upgrade time. Going MSI mobo and AMD CPU.

From: Cheryl on 10/04/2011
I used the '2-fisted' technique. lol I vacuum the outside of the vent all around the cabinet and then open the cabinet. I vacuum all the visible dust. Then I take compressed air and shoot it into the fans while holding the vacuum on the other side of it so it doesn't deposit the HUGE amounts of dust that will come out. Amazing.

From: why not try on 04/03/2011
I have had a gx150 and a gx280. The latter gave me all kinds of thermal 'nuclear' event warnings. it would not boot up then only from the boot disc then only from the windows disc etc, etc.

My solution was to not listen to the 'capacitor stuff' but to open the case and look at the gubbings.

No surprise that (although the machine looked dusk free and clean) the sink (is that what it is called?) below the fan was gubbed up with dusk and yuk.

Then I consulted my wife and asked her how to use the vacuum cleaner. That was the hard bit (they are tricky blighters you know!). I used its wonderful sucking ability around the dusty areas (look to both sides of the 'sink' below the fan - it is easy to miss the inside).

No screechy fan, no massive times of 'noise larging it', no thermal nuclear events, no world war three.

From: Louis on 02/25/2011
I had read horror stories about leaking electrolytic capacitors and motherboard failures causing the "Shutdown due to thermal event" situation on Dell GX-280s like I was having.I purchased a "pull" fan+heatsink assembly off eBay for less than $10 (shipping included). I removed the existing fan+heatsink, cleaned the 'goop' from the processor with alcohol and a Q-Tip and, with an even coating of fresh heatsink compound, installed the 'new' assembly. So far so good. No further shutdown problems.My GX-280 is mounted on a shelf below the work surface (table top) and fan noise has never been a problem.Good luck to you.

From: Hemal on 12/03/2010
If You are using Desktop Then follow this Steps::1)Open Your CPU Cabinate.2)Open the fan which is on the main board.3)then just buy a "Injection"-Which Contains Gel,From ur nearest Comouter Shop4)Open that and put the gel on the middle of the processor5)And Simply put the fan and properly fix the fan..Note::Do not open Processor,only open fan on the main board and put the gel on the processor which named likeintel or any other.!!!!If u have done n solved ur problem then rpl me on my e-mail id:::and tell me its useful or not Thanx;ID:"hemal_pandya1122@yahoo.co.in"

From: Jennifer on 10/26/2010
I taken my shop vac and stuck all dust and lint out of the vents, PC works fine. You can use compress air ,that just push the dirt and lint into the PC. You want to pull it out.

From: Robert on 09/11/2010
Sorry that your motherboard is more than likely with leaking capacitors. The Dell recall for this item has ended in 2009 and the new motherboard (P/N RG169)comes from Dell at $189. I'm very disappointed that Dell is turning into all the others.

From: Robert on 09/11/2010
Sorry that your motherboard is more than likely with leaking capacitors. The Dell warranty for this item has ended in 2009 and the new motherboard (P/N RG169)comes from Dell at $189. I'm very disappointed that Dell is turning into all the others.

From: james on 09/05/2010
i also have a dell optiplex gx-270 that is showing the thermal shutdown message.mine is the capicators on the motherboard.waiting on a call from dell maybe tomorrow.anyone with more information.please email me at jamesm@yucca.net or leave a posting here.

I had the same problem ..sudden shutdown of my computer three times an hour and after rebooting showing thermal event dialogue..

It is not the fan or thermal paste dry out ..it is the smps itself .. change the smps ..you will have no problem.. [usually 12v bus epitaxial transistor in the smps fail to deliver the required 12v volts for long time.. ] it is better to replace the smps with slightly a little more wattage smps ..but the same rating of smps also do the trick]

Bottom line is Change the SMPS .. if everything else fails...

[It worked for me even with lower wattage replacement][I replaced 400watt smps with 380watts] . have a nice day ..

From: andy on 08/23/2010
as an eng for a serivce copmany owned by one of the big comapnys i am coming accross this alot gx260 and gx270have a lot amotherbaords failing at present all linked with leeakig capacitors. the pc could be overheating if the heatsink is full of dirt as the fan will not be cooling the fins propelt on the heatsink. if you ahve buklging or poppeod capaicirs iw ould advise chnagiing the motherboard or the capcitors if you are skilled enough (of the same values)as if left it coudl casue the motherbpard to blow.

a further note thats now why a lot of manufacturers use solid capicitors now

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From: lm on 06/03/2010
previously i had windows xp service pack 2...this problem never used to occur...then i installed windows xp service pack 3 but not genuine...i play a game n it shuts down in 10 mins ...thermal event message appears when i boot again..should i uninstall sp 3 and install genuine sp2?? i feel sp3 is causing the problem....what do u say??

From: Paddy on 04/29/2010
I counted 9 out of 11 capitors that are next to the processor have a brown crust that oozed out og the end. The caps are 1/4 in round and about 3/4 inch tall rated at 6.3v and 1800uf. That explains why the machine keeps on reading the analog sensors (cpu fan speed) incorrectly. Likely the 60hz from the powersupply is leaking through and the machihe thinks the fax is spinning very slowly...

Once this problem comes up, buy a genuine thermal paint which comes in a syringe. Wipe out the previous thermal paint from CPU top. Ensure you protect the CPU from any greeze, oil, paint, water, metal and other appliances, and static electricity. Then inject the thermal paint on the centre of the CPU with the the CPU mounted on the motherboard. Replace the fan. Ensure the fan is working.

Start your computer and if the windows comes up on the screen, fine, otherwise if the screen turns blue it means windows is corrupted. Reload your computer with a genuine windows OS. Your problem will be solved for good.

From: Spencer on 01/31/2010
First, blow out any dust with canned air. If that works, great! If not, maybe your fans need to be oiled. Try using 3-in-1 oil or sewing machine oil. Run your computer open and observe that fans to see if they are spinning or not or if they start and stop. You can take the sticker off of the fan and there should be a hole where you can see the ball bearing, just put some oil there and put the sticker back. Remember, DO NOT USE WD40. If this doesn't work you maybe need a new exhaust fan, or power supply. If you let this go on too long, you may damage your computer and subsequently need to replace a motherboard or hard drive. Fans are inexpensive enough and any idiot can replace them, so there's not need to really take it to a computer tech. Remember to discharge any static electricity you may have before putting your hand in the computer. It also might be a problem with the heatsink. Good luck!

From: RASHID RAWAL on 01/29/2010
HI IAM RANA MUHAMMAD RASHID I BOUGTH PC RECENTLY NOW THIS WENESDAY I WAS SWICTH ON MY PC I HEAR A SOUND TOBNO TONO AND I SAW ON THE MONITOR TERMAL ERROR I WAS VER UPSET

AND AFFTER STARTING COMPUTER MY COMPUTER SHUTTING DOWN AUTOMATIC WITHIN 5 MINUT PLZ TELL WHAT CAN I DO

From: Sparky on 09/15/2009
Yup, yup, so, I read all the posts here, and then I popped open the cover... Bad capacitors, eight of them! The magic smoke has been released. Guess I will be replacing the board.

From: Tom on 09/12/2009
After reading most of the replies, I think all of you are right for the circumstances you experienced. My Dell Dimention 4700 started acting slow, then would shut down for no apparent reason. Then it wouldn't boot up. It would turn on but the fan sounded like it was in high gear. I completely cleaned all the internal parts of the CPU to no avail. I went back in to see if I could do anything else. I checked the connections, I reopened the fan hood and started the machine to see if the fan was alright and 'bam' it worked great. I believe I must have moved something when I cleaned everything. You have to make sure all the connections are secure. If it doesn't work work the first time try again.

From: James on 08/13/2009
hydhyd, it's possible that during your cleaning of the heatsink you somehow dislodged the thermal pad or thermal compound, and/or caused the heatsink to sort of cock sideways enough for the CPU to not be contacting the heatsink all the way.You might try re-seating the heatsink, or adding more heatsink compound if it looks like there isn't enough. The heatsink should sit flat on top of the CPU and be making good contact with the thermal pad or compound.Some of the older CPUs used an external sensor to monitor heat and you had to make sure it was close to the heatsink, it's possible you moved that, but like I said that was many years ago, they are now built into the CPU chip.

From: hydhyd on 08/13/2009
ive got a dell dimension e510, good pc all around except the fan was always really noisy when it got hot in my room. recently i opened it up and cleaned all the dust out using air. i used an unused paint brush to get some of the dust bunnies out of the corners. i took out the heatsink and cleaned it with a dry rag. then i took out the fan, i didnt unplug the fan or anything but used the same rag to clean it off too. i put it all back in and now im getting the thermal event message after a forced involentary shutdown. pc isnt hot at all either. i took it to best buy and geeksquad said i needed a new hdd. 350 dollars later i turned it on and the same exact thing happend. *also when i turn it on the fan goes on full blast, really loud too. the capacitors have no yellow, and look good as new. theres no dust on it. i have no idea whats wrong any suggestions? id rather not be scamed by bestbuy again...

From: Kim on 07/19/2009
I just has another thermal event after I replaced my fan two years ago for the same reason. This time id like to change it myself and save some money. Really, when i looked at the vent where my fan is i had obvious dust buildup. Is it not enough that i chance dust bunnies around the house?

From: stacy on 06/26/2009
this happens at work all the time. the cpu is overheating, but that doesn't mean it's damaged. open the case and blow out the heat sink with forced air. also, blow out all the fans, even the ones for the power supply. in my experience with this, every machine that has had a thermal event, and you know end users won't hesitate to call helpdesk about it, has run properly after having blown out all the dust and what-have-you. now, if the fan has suffered damage before cleaning, you may have to replace the fan. same goes for the cpu. if caught early on, everything should be fine.

From: Cliff on 03/21/2009
My girlfriend has an xps 420 that has just started registering thermal events. It will only boot up for about 20 seconds then completely shuts down. It's only a year old. Help please?

From: leti on 01/29/2009
I also getting these shut down due to thermal event very often lately, I have a dell Dimension 3000 I don't know what to do, what is this capacitor you are talking about, sorry about my ignorance

From: Michael on 12/21/2008
Look at your capacitors. Dell GX270 & GX280 had this problem. If the tops of your capacitors are pushing out, then your capacitors are gone and the board is shot. Best to buy a new board, Ebay $25 - done.

From: VAMAN on 12/18/2008
How long do u expext the computer Last ?your cpu fan requires a replacement , please spend some to get it replaced or buy another computer, Also make sure you buy another brand this time, so that you get to know that irrespective of Brand electronic equipment are the sa,e

From: karel on 10/24/2008
woooops got it wrong .... the next day it crapped out again , back to the drawing board ....the thermal eventMay look to do a clean reinstall .... wipe the hard drive with a linux programme then reinstall windows .It takes a while but it cleans it all ...?

From: karel on 10/23/2008
I recently also had a shutdown with the " thermal event " .Its a pain in the butt but what I managed to find out , as it happened to me is that this happened after a reinstallation of the system , for me winxp pro sp2 .I used the info on the machine and then rebooted in " safe mode " ...Even though I am not a fan of Microsoft blow me down during the safe mode the system found the fault , in a driver and reinstalled the faulty driver and since then I have had no prob's . with starting the system .I hope this can help .

From: CHELLY BELLY on 10/02/2008
My DELL Dimension 3000 just shut down due to "Thermal Event" and I don't have a clue as to what any of you are talking about down below. In LAYMAN'S TERMS PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND PLEASE DON'T TELL ME TO CALL DELL. I'D RATHER HAVE A ROOT CANAL!!!!!!!

From: za on 09/23/2008
hidid u replace the fan above the processorif u did u wil get this errorplz ensure the processor fan is back in plave firmly no wobbling or looseningand or if u use another fan to coolensure it fits above the processor well and firm

From: Faheem Khan on 09/16/2008
I have a problem that gx270 3.0ghz ht processor but one error message that thermal event system shoutdown or display not work why this problem I am hardware tech but i problem show problem in motherborad and hitsink fan but i try ,

what i do in post side not solution please soultion to display in my email eddress I will be thank ful to you .

From: Thord on 08/11/2008
If the system is not really hot, then it is the capacitors (as said elsewhere). As the ESR in capcacitors decrease with temperature i tested to heat the capacitors with a hot-air blower, and the problem went away (until the caps cooled again).

So my guess is that the voltage regulator cannot keep the correct core voltage for the CPU when the load is changing too much, most modern os:es now halt the processor when there is nothing to do thus creating big fluctuations in power demand. When running in the bios/setup the cpu have a more constant power demand. That is why you do not get the thermal event in the bios. (until the caps are really bad of course)

So, either change the caps or the complete motherboard.

ESR = Equivalent Series Resistance. Bulged caps and caps with yellow stuff on are clearly bad.

From: Abhishek MEHRA on 06/16/2008
my mobo is intel d98019-001 dual core processer 2.21 gb ram,it was fine when i changed from asus amd but1st the hard disk{not sata} got damaged,i took to a sata250gb.it went on working fine for few days,but suddenly it stopped getting detected.i googled and solved that but again today the thermal event(it had happened earlier also,when i tried to run my damaged hard disk) happened.also everytime ,when i start system,it starts in dos with just a underscore"_"restarts itself and then works.I am having scorpian hacked windows XP SP-3 is it fine to have such windows?now the hard disk is connected but it says no bootable device.is the old supply causing these two problems @ a time help me please....

From: paul on 04/11/2008
I know this is a long while after folks have stopped posting, however have 'inherited' two Optiplex 270s that were being thrown out. The thermal event shutdown happens if the processor is set to 'normal', if it's running in 'compatible' mode it works fine (but very slowly), does this indicate that the fan is not pushing enough air. The capacitors look fine and surely if it'll run fine in compatible processor mode then it's not the capacitor issue??Thanks for any help/

From: BRI on 04/01/2008
After having a thermal event problen on my dell gx270 and reading this forum i removed the cpu and heatsink cleaned off the old compound as it was dryed out and crispy and put on new compound. i also renewed the compound on the small black heatsink next to the cpu/heatsink combo and i now cant get a picture on the monitor

please please someone help me

ps i looked at the capacitors and i could not see any bulging but 2 of them had a very small amount of yellow stuff on top of them

From: Marty on 03/27/2008
Dell was replacing the motherboards regardless of Warranty for this known issue for many of their PC's (GX270's and others which another poster posted below the official Dell Support release) but no longer do this after Jan 31, 2008. Maybe if you call and complain and tell them that you won't buy another Dell ever again unless they help you out, that might pull on their hearstrings...but don't get your hopes up.

It is a known problem with a selected batch of faulty capacitorsJust contact Dell support regardless of warranty period and they should send an engineer around "post-haste" with a new motherboard. Takes less than half an hour - I'm just about to report a second machine with exactly that same problem.

From: Jeff on 12/24/2007
I just had a dell 270 in my shop and replaced the 9 capacitorsand renewed the heatsink compound on processor and found that it was the heatsink with the metal clips next to the processor causing the problem (thermal shut down)you must clean the old compound of with a tooth brush and alcohol and put new on works great now (But the repair does need all three to happen).

From: Bob on 12/11/2007
GX270, small tower. In my case, with the same THERMAL EVENT error message noted elsewhere, the problem turned out to be bad thermal contact between the NorthBridge chip and it's heatsink; that's the chip/heatsink combo immediately below the processor. Just remove the spring clip that holds the heatsink in place, use a good solvent (denatured alcohol is my preference) to remove the thermal pad and associated heatsink compound from the heatsink, then remove all residual heatsink compound from the chip itself. Once everything is very clean, apply a VERY THIN coat of new heatsink compound to the top of the chip AND the bottom area of the heatsink where it comes into contact with the chip and replace. I strongly prefer the clear silicone grease compound, NOT the white heatsink compound so commonly used. While I was at it, I <<<gently>>> separated the cpu from it's heatsink and did the same, even though the THERMAL EVENT had NOT been triggered by overheating of the cpu. Nevertheless, the thermal compound there was dried out and "cakey", making for a problem somewhere down the road. I do this for a living, but you can, too! Good luck!

From: Vince on 11/26/2007
I also have a GX270 that I use here at work that was expriencing thermal errors. I opened the box up and noticed that the fan was not locked in to position. I locked the fan in place by pressing the green lever down and resetting the connection to the motherboard. After rebooting the system the error went away.

From: Mike on 11/09/2007
I have had this problem with 2 computers. It is a "known Issue". Dell will replace the motherboard. The capacitors (look like little batteries) will bulge slightly from the bottom (the part that faces you) and may leak a yellowish colored material. Just contact Dell Support and tell them if you see this.

Good day to every one: I am have P4 3.0 GHZ.It also, gives me "CPU SHUTDOWN DUE TO THERMAL EVENT" when i start my pc.The other guys used a zalman cooler or a extra fan.

But what I use in extra is a table fan of 20 cm diameters.

But i still get this warning.I thought of replacing my processor by using intels future processor.intel is keeping this product secret until october 2007. Any way what i afraid is that,my processor might blow. Do you heard about processor burst.It will affect the whole computer room.

From: praveen on 07/23/2007
I have replaced my PC's cpu fan with a Zalman cooler (model CNPS700-cU)(to reduce noise). Every time I start pc, it shuts down suddenly after several time and next time I restart it, a message appears saying "cpu was shutdown due to a thermal event - overheating. Press F4 to resume". I checked cpu fan and works ok. I disabled "CPU fan detection" in BIOS. Processor zone temperature is 45o C and fan speed 2370. Pc manufacturer has applied thermal compound to CPU before mounting heat sink. Inspite the above, the problem still persists. Help !

From: Frank on 06/27/2007
Hi guys, I bought a dell dimension 8300 a few years ago, I never used to up-plug it. But I tried to turn it on today and got that Thermal Error every body is talking about, I haven't opened my computer as yet because I only discovered it a few minutes ago, and I've just got home from work and feel quite tired. Oh! The computer spec's its a Dell Dimension 8300 with a p4 processor with a clock cycle of 3.2 gigs. I only have 512mbs of ram on the pc as it never seemed to need any more. its got a 120 gigabyte hard-drive with data burst...it was top of the range when I bought it, and it cost me €1,800 at the time. I recently bought a Dell XPS M1710 Laptop and decided to knock off the Dimension for awhile, like I said before, I rarely ever switched it off. I'm going to open it tomorrow and use and airbrush with a moisture trap to blow the fan clean of any lint, I'm also going to do the same with the heat sinks. I've grown quite fond of my older computer (Dimension 8300),if anyone can offer any futher suggestions, please know that they would be very much appreciated

---------------------------------------------------------------------Dell Warranty Parts Direct News Out of Warranty Support Coverage Dell™ Technical Support (800-822-8965/extension 724-3891) will provide OUT OF WARRANTY coverage in North, Central and South America for OptiPlex™ SX270 USFF (Ultra Small Form Factor only), GX270 and GX280 systems with failed motherboards due to expanding or leaking capacitors. Timeframe coverage is limited to 5 years from date of purchase, or until January 31, 2008, whichever comes first.

Please click HERE for more details. We request that customers with qualifying OUT OF WARRANTY systems contact Dell Technical Support at 1-800- 822-8965, extension 724-3891. Out of warranty affected parts will not be dispatched through the WPD program and therefore will not be eligible for labor reimbursement.

Please note, for systems UNDER WARRANTY, please continue to contact WPD for warranty coverage as usual.

http://warrantypartsdirect.dell.com...am/T1910000.ASP

Dell OptiPlex™ SX270 / GX270 / GX280Out of Warranty Support Program

Dell™ will provide OUT OF WARRANTY coverage in North, Central and South America for OptiPlex™SX270(UFF), GX270, GX280 systems with failed motherboards due to expanding or leaking capacitors for 5 years from date of purchase, or until 31-January-2008, whichever comes first.

Customers with qualifying out of warranty systems may contact Dell Technical Support at 1-800-822-8965 for service. Affected parts dispatched through Dell Technical Support will not be eligible for labor reimbursement. Note, WPD customers with affected systems still UNDER WARRANTY may continue to contact WPD as usual for warranty coverage.

For Systems Under Warranty

Contact Warranty Parts Direct as usual for part replacement coverage per the existing Warranty Service contract.

For Systems Out of Warranty

If an OUT OF WARRANTY desktop computer listed in the "Products Affected" section has a failed motherboard exhibiting expanding or leaking capacitors and is still within the time period described below, customers may contact Dell Technical Support at 1-800-822-8965 to have the motherboard replaced at no charge per Dell's Next Business Day service coverage program.

The motherboard replacement program is valid for 5 years from the original date of purchase of the system or January 31, 2008, whichever occurs first. Systems that fall outside the motherboard replacement offer terms may be repaired under Dell's Out of Warranty service program.

From: Andrew on 06/07/2007
Have the same thermal shut down issue on a GX 270 which is now out of warrenty but after reading this board I spoke to Dell and an engineer will visit us tomorrow to replace the motherboard F.O.C.

From: Harold on 06/06/2007
We have many gx270's at my site - there are known issue with this model from Dell. They will replace at least the motherboard if not under warranty and should replace the motherboard and power supply if under warranty. I have had both and when it is not under warranty - they will be a little resistant - but be persistant with them and they will send out your motherboard. After all, they know about this issue.

From: Devon on 05/21/2007
Yes, same problem over and over. "Shutdown occured due to thermal event". I can probably get on windows for about 5 minutes then it's off. Any advice? (Do I have to clean inside PC or is it the motherboard)

From: evick on 05/10/2007
I have the same problem with with Dell Optiplex GX270 and is out of warranty but when i call to check what we can do they send the order to change the part without any charge because the identify that a lot of motherboard come with that defect.

Conclusion:

If you have that problem call dell no matter if is out of warranty the are willing to change it.

From: Joe on 03/22/2007
Just curious. As of this morning I too am having the same problem. However, as someone stated here before, I can stay in setup however long I want with no problems at all. But when I leave and Windows is about 50% loaded she shuts down. Then, on the next start, the same shutdown due to thermal problem.

From: shunt on 02/21/2007
I ve the same problem on my intel celeron 1.0 Ghz. System shutdown even when it ice cold (I believe) because it suddenly shutdown when I leave it for an hour or two untouched (power off).

From: Bryan on 01/08/2007
I was having the same problem with my Dell GX270. It's the capacitors on the motherboard. I have 9 that have leaked a gold color from the top of the capacitor. Time for a new computer.

From: Clive on 01/03/2007
I had the same problem.On checking the air flow, I discouvered that the air vent holes were occluded due to a build up of dust. I cleaned all air flow paths and the problem has resolved. (Maybe this fix is too simple).

From: Marko on 10/21/2006
I had the same problem, with a P4 3,4 ghz with 4GB ram, Intel Motherboard (D925XECV2). The curios thing is that on first reboot, after the shutdown, If I access the Bios and I stay there for about 5 minutes, I can boot the system without problem and it will stay stable without shutdown. I've update the Bios, but nothing changed. So I decided to change my power supply from a 450 W to 550 W.It's only about an hour I've replaced the PSU, and so far so good.I think that the problem has been solved, because it's the first time since I had troubles that I don't see shoutdowns and thermal events messages on a first boot. The PSU does have double fans and intakes, and maybe this helps too. Anyway, I think that most probably there's something wrong with this "thermal event" problem, I don't think that there was a real thermal event (MOBO, processor, sockets and fans were in excellent condition) and I don't think that a virus is the cause. If I'm not wrong, in my case was something related to the PSU. I'm using a software that can handle fans speed and say that I've reduced the temp of few degrees since I've changed PSU. Was that really the cause? Don't know for sure, but it might be.

From: eztech on 10/09/2006
I have the same problem as everyone else, I have checked the fan and power supply everything works fine. I have noticed when I bring the system up in the BIOS setup screen the computer does not shut off. It only shuts off when going into windows. I am wondering if it is just a windows problem.

From: Frank on 08/30/2006
Use some common sense methods to find out what is happening.PUT YOUR FINGER ON THE CPU HEAT SINK (gently!), is it hot? Like burn your finger hot? Does it get hot really quick?If you can get to the CPU, is it hotter than the heat sink?If you need to, you can start it cold with the heat sink off, turn the computer on and feel the CPU, ONLY FOR A FEW SECONDS, turn it off! This should give you a idea how fast it heats up, then you know how fast the heat sink should heat up. Estimate this and ask yourself if the heatsink is being transferred heat properly.Is there enough "goo" to transfer enough heat?Where is the temp sensor? Is it in the right place (most are now built into the CPU, so it may not be a problem).The point is, is it actually overheating or do you have a heat transfer problem to the heatsink, and or improper air flow?The other power supply suggestion is valid, and can be tested and if it's not a problem, most places will take a power supply back so go buy a big one.Do you have a lot of PCI cards plugged in? Did you try taking them out?If the "Caps" problem is there as said by others, getting a bigger power supply may clean up the power (if electrical noise was the problem).Hardware problems are a trial and error fix it problem. If you can't handle that you might want to just get a new CPU / mobo.

From: playboy on 08/26/2006
well guest..playboy from geeksquadthat's a serious problem, i working on a gx 270 and it's giving that message i cheched the motherboard and the capacitor are all leaking..that's toasted..dell cpu has the most issues.

From: Fijhas on 06/29/2006
i had a same problem 2weeks back.with my p4 3.0ghz,intel 865gbf..assembled computer.i changed heatzink twise.but there was no luck its booting with 4long beep the same error but will work for 30-40 minutes and shutting down like a someone removed the power cable.yesterday i bought a new SMPS(powersupply) till now its workiing without shuttingdown.

But first chek you,cpu fan if its working chek your MB for any bulgy capcitor..then only change the SMPS..mostly this problem occur becuase of some wrong voltage is supplying to MB beacuse of the faulty powersupply..

From: Matt on 06/23/2006
I am also having a "thermal event" problem with a Dell Optiplex. I have checked both the power supply fan and the processor fan. They are working fine yet the pc keeps shutting down for no reason. Did anybody find a solution to this? dragonmatt81@yahoo.com

From: Kathleen on 06/01/2006
If this is a Dell, I would check to see if the capacitors are bulging and/or have any yellow fluid leaking from the top. I have seen this occur with the Dell GX260 and GX270 models.

From: salman aziz on 04/03/2006
I have the same Problem, my CPU fan is working fine but my Pc shutdown and on restart the same old message appears " Thermal event" .... I think CPU temp sensor r damaged .....this is the only possibility

From: Daniel on 10/22/2003
Forgot to say that the temp sensor on a lot of MB is next to the CPU somewhere and comes off the motherboard, sometimes up in the middle of the CPU socket. Maybe it's damaged, bent, not there or not sensing right?

From: Daniel on 10/22/2003
Any chance it's simply the CPU temp sensor is bad? If you know someone who will lend you one for testing, or take it somewhere where the people are coll about this stuff. Good test would be to plug yours into another "same" motherboard and vice versa.